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Reign of Injustice

The Cal Harris Story

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On September 12, 2001, Michele Harris went missing from a small town in upstate New York. She has never been found, and the mystery surrounding her disappearance remains. Four years after she went missing, her wealthy husband, Cal Harris, was arrested and charged with her murder.

With neither a body nor a murder weapon, Cal was shockingly tried and convicted of her murder. Then new evidence surfaced. His conviction was overturned, and a new trial granted. But once again, he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. That conviction, too, was overturned on appeal. The saga continued as Cal went on trial for the third time. This one ended in a mistrial.

By the time Cal went on trial the fourth time, Michele had been missing for nearly 15 years.

Defense investigator, David M. Beers, worked on the Cal Harris case from start-to-finish. His account, Reign of Injustice, walks you through the details and events of the case never before revealed. It provides an inside view of the scandalous case facts you will not find elsewhere, including why he considers Cal’s story a reign of injustice.

AWARDS

WINNER
MOST AUTHENTIC MEMOIR 2026

Booky Awards

WINNER
BEST NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY 2024

Literary Global Book Awards

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

A Must Read

"First book I’ve ever read that totally changed my mind about someone’s guilt! A must read for anyone who followed the Michele Harris case."

– Karen & Jim

Unique Perspective from a Private Investigator

"Good read. Kept my attention. Unique perspective from a PI involved in this case. Book focuses more on the behind the scene work of a Private Investigator in a murder case than on the criminal trials. He worked for the Defense on a case that went to trial four times."

– M.H.

When Revenge Triumphs Over Justice and Reason

"This book blew the cover off of what was happening in the courts and what was reported by many outlets as there was no real evidence, only an overt vendetta to convict a man against whom no real evidence existed. David Beers lays out the effort to expose the truth in incredible detail, thoroughly exploring the evidence and what it really meant in this case. It's definitely worth a read to discover what can happen when justice takes a back seat to revenge and to see a case where the truth took time to come out and free an innocent man."

– Jeff Howard

5 Gold Stars

"Reign of Injustice delivers a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of a real-life crime. Set against the backdrop of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, and unfolding in the Southern Tier region of upstate New York, this book unveils the harrowing tale of Michele Harris’s disappearance and the ensuing legal battle against her husband Cal Harris that spanned over a decade. David Beers, akin to several other fictional detectives, emerges as a tenacious and meticulous investigator. With unwavering determination, Beers embarks on a relentless pursuit of truth, meticulously sifting through evidence, interviewing witnesses, and chasing down leads overlooked by law enforcement. His journey, spanning fifteen years and four court cases, unfolds as a testament to the power of professional and in-depth investigative work. The writing style adopted in Reign of Injustice is both clear and concise, guiding readers through the intricate web of events surrounding Michele Harris’s disappearance and the subsequent legal battles. The author’s skillful story captivated me from the outset, holding my attention until the final page. I must admit, I’m somewhat biased when it comes to true-crime stories. The impact of this bias will undoubtedly vary from reader to reader, especially considering that the story doesn’t contain a great deal of suspense and is one-sided in favor of the defendant. What sets this book apart is its authenticity. Drawing from extensive research, including interviews, legal documents, and trial proceedings, the author presents a true-to-life account that resonates with raw emotion and stark realism. Readers are invited to witness firsthand the complexities of the criminal justice system and the toll it takes on those ensnared within its grasp. Reign of Injustice stands as a testament to the pursuit of truth amidst adversity. Providing readers with a rare insight into the intricacies of a high-profile criminal case, it leaves an enduring impression that extends far beyond the final verdict. For aficionados of true crime, blending intrigue and real-life drama, this book is an indispensable read, regardless of one’s stance on Cal Harris’s innocence or guilt."

– LiteraryGlobal.com

A gripping and unsettling true-crime account

"A gripping and unsettling true-crime account, this book takes readers inside one of New York’s most controversial murder cases, following the disappearance of Michele Harris and the relentless trials of her husband, Cal. With no body, no weapon, and convictions repeatedly overturned, the case becomes a chilling portrait of justice in turmoil. Drawing on firsthand experience as a defense investigator, David M. Beers reveals insider details, courtroom twists, and disturbing flaws in the system, crafting a narrative that is as compelling as it is haunting an essential read for true-crime enthusiasts seeking both suspense and insight."

– Christopher Hayes

Suspenseful and deeply thought-provoking

"Suspenseful and deeply thought-provoking, this account pulls back the curtain on a case that gripped New York for years the disappearance of Michele Harris and the extraordinary legal battles that followed. Through firsthand knowledge, David M. Beers reveals overlooked details, systemic flaws, and the staggering reality of multiple trials without definitive evidence. The result is a powerful narrative that lingers long after the last page, raising urgent questions about justice and truth."

– Ethan Parker

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